Putting Yourself FIRST initially sounds so selfish, yet, our failure to love ourselves FIRST oftentimes contributes to false agendas in our motives and/or service to others. Putting yourself FIRST requires 5 things:

• F – FORGIVENESS: Begins by examing the baggage we carry, and releasing ourselves, God and others, so we can live productive, healthy lives.
• I – IDENTITY: Our identity is not our diagnosis, career choice, gender or denominational affiliation. We are made in the image of a divine creator.
• R – RESPONSIBILITY: Who's responsibility is it for us to walk in wholeness?  ANSWER: it begins with us. What are your roadblocks and obstacles to accepting responsibility? What are you minimizing, justifying or rationalizing?
• S – SUPPORT: Everyone should surround themselves with 3 types of friends: 1) Friends who are where you used to be, to prevent us from arrogance; 2) Friends who are where you are, to aallow us a place of comfort and safety; and 3) Friends who are where you want to be. These are individuals who reflect lives of maturity and growth and call us to walk in a greater sense of wholeness.
• T – TRANSITION: As a cute children's joke puts it, "How do you eat an elephant? ANSWER: One bite at a time." Transformation occurs through setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Based.